USA v Mexico – The Big Match Coming Up

La Gran Final – let them go at it, Mexico plays the USA in the Final of the Gold Cup this Saturday in Pasadena, to a sold-out crowd wild with tension and rivalry. Yes, it is more than a game. Saturday is about the Alamo, the Border, the neighbors, the quarrels, the grudge. Mexico versus USA – calling all patriots, your countries need you! Previous clashes have involved incoming urine bombs and beer can missiles plus loud explosions of trash talk. It’s about as much “them and us” as you can pack into a sporting conflict.

As for the futbol menu, expect an aggressive, exhausting fry with hot wings flying. For the USA to serve up the winner, it needs to stir the rotational flows that proved successful against Jamaica and Panama, and use the wings to attack Mexico’s side. Let Clint Dempsey roam like the buffalo. A return to the play deep, soporific tactics of earlier games will result in cold defeat. Before the game, send Landon Donovan to Starbucks for the team’s double lattes.

Mexico will be looking to its good Christian savior, Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, to convert some balls into goals. Jesus would be impressed with his conversions in the tournament so far – seven goals in five games. Apostles of talent are abundant in the Mexican squad. Giovani Dos Santos, Andres Guardado, and Aldo de Nigris are all on form and capable of crucifying the US defenders. Mexico plays patiently, a contrast from previous generations where a lack of discipline cost El Tri in some important games. But crucially, Mexico possesses endurance, stepping up a gear late in the game or in extra time. This is their advantage.

If the game is tight, tension will rise in the hot Southern California clime. Expect fissures of trouble to open up between the players. No one can forget Mexico’s Rafael Marquez’s violent assault on US player Cobi Jones during the 2002 World Cup – one of the worst in soccer history. The ref will know how quickly these neighbors can fall out. His hand will never be far from his cards. La Gran Final – don’t miss it, Saturday 6pm, Fox Soccer Channel, Univision.